07627, Demarest, New Jersey Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 07627, Demarest, New Jersey is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

40.34 percent of residents in 07627 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.51 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Englewood Hospital And Medical Center with a distance of 3.32 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Demarest (ZIP Code 07627)

The tranquility of Demarest, New Jersey (ZIP Code 07627), a borough known for its leafy streets and close-knit community, belies the complexities of navigating healthcare access, particularly for those facing a lung cancer diagnosis. This write-up assesses the "Lung Cancer Score" for residents, focusing on transportation options and their impact on timely and effective care. We'll explore the landscape of **transportation** options, from personal vehicles to public transit, considering their efficiency and accessibility for individuals needing oncology services. This analysis is crucial for understanding **healthcare access** in Demarest and provides valuable insights for anyone **moving to Demarest**, especially those with pre-existing health concerns.

The score considers factors such as drive times to oncology centers, the availability and reliability of public **transportation**, the presence of ADA-compliant features, and the accessibility of ride-sharing and medical transport services. Each factor contributes to a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by Demarest residents requiring lung cancer treatment.

For many Demarest residents, the primary mode of **transportation** to healthcare facilities is the personal vehicle. The borough's location in Bergen County offers relatively easy access to several hospitals and cancer centers. Driving times, however, are subject to traffic, especially during peak hours.

The closest major hospitals with comprehensive cancer care are located in Hackensack and Englewood. Reaching Hackensack University Medical Center, a prominent cancer treatment provider, typically involves a drive of approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. The most direct route often involves taking County Road 505 (Knickerbocker Road) south to the Garden State Parkway, then exiting onto Route 4 West. Alternatively, one could take County Road 505 to Route 46 East, then onto the Hackensack University Medical Center campus.

Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, another reputable option, is about a 15-25 minute drive. This route usually involves taking County Road 505 south to Palisade Avenue, then following the signs to the hospital. The New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) is another option, but it could be a less convenient route for those in Demarest.

Traffic congestion, particularly on Route 4 and the Garden State Parkway, can significantly impact these drive times, potentially delaying appointments and increasing patient stress. This underscores the importance of planning and allowing ample travel time.

Public **transportation** options in Demarest, while available, present more significant challenges. The primary provider is New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit). Bus routes serving the area include the 166, which runs along Knickerbocker Road, connecting Demarest to New York City and various points in Bergen County. The 166 bus has stops in Demarest and provides a connection to Hackensack and the hospital.

However, the 166 route, while offering a viable option, may not be ideal for patients undergoing cancer treatment. Travel times can be considerably longer than driving, and the potential for delays due to traffic is substantial. Furthermore, the bus schedule might not always align with appointment times, requiring patients to build in extra time.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance of NJ Transit buses is a critical consideration. All NJ Transit buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to ensure accessibility for passengers with disabilities. This is crucial for patients who may experience mobility issues due to their illness or treatment. However, the availability of accessible buses and the reliability of the lift systems can sometimes be a concern.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another **transportation** alternative. These services provide on-demand rides, potentially offering a more convenient option than public transit, especially for those who cannot drive or prefer not to. Availability, however, can fluctuate, particularly during peak hours or in areas with lower demand. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent trips to treatment centers.

Medical transport services are specifically designed to cater to patients with medical needs. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and others offer non-emergency medical **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services can be a valuable resource for patients who require assistance getting to and from appointments. However, they often come with a higher price tag compared to ride-sharing or public transit.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Demarest reflects a mixed picture. While the borough benefits from proximity to reputable cancer centers, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public **transportation** present challenges. Traffic congestion can significantly impact drive times, and the availability of accessible and reliable **transportation** options for those who cannot drive or prefer not to is a concern.

For individuals **moving to Demarest** with a history of lung cancer or at high risk, careful consideration of these **transportation** factors is essential. Assessing the availability of family or friends to provide rides, exploring the cost and reliability of ride-sharing services, and researching medical **transportation** options are crucial steps.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not a static number but a dynamic assessment. It underscores the importance of proactive planning and utilizing all available resources to ensure timely and convenient access to healthcare. While Demarest offers a desirable residential environment, potential residents must acknowledge the complexities of navigating healthcare **transportation**, especially for individuals facing the challenges of a lung cancer diagnosis. This includes a careful evaluation of the available **transportation** options, the impact of traffic, and the accessibility of public **transportation** and medical services.